Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni , Toscana, IGT, 2010

“Super Tuscan,” is a term made up by members of the wine press to describe the type of wine produced that included Bordeaux grape varietals planted in Tuscany. These blended wines didn’t fit into the strict Italian wine laws and had to be labeled the lowly classification of Vino da Tavola(table wine). Suddenly these wines that first started to be produced in the 1970’s were taking the wine world by storm. These lowly classified wines command some of the highest prices. They have since been upgraded to IGT status. Primarily made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese these wines are made in modern styles in a winemaking region steeped in centuries of tradition.
One of the families with a long history in Tuscany are the Frescobaldi. Their winemaking history dates back to the early 1300’s.
Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni is a great example of Super Tuscan wine. Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Sangiovese. Deep red in color bordering on purple and a nose rich in red cherries, blueberries, baking spices, earthiness and black pepper. This is a complex wine that is helped by decanting and letting it open up for a while. The palate reflects the nose with the Sangiovese adding bright acidity to balance the fruit and tingly black pepper courtesy of the Cabernet Franc on the long dry finish. This is a serious wine that needs serious food, steak on the grill or even some grilled game meat will be perfect.
While the Tenuta Frescobaldi, di Castiglioni, 2010 can be drunk now, it will age for 10-15 years more easily.